History

Today in 1980, Mount Saint Helens erupted in Washington State.

It was the deadliest and most destructive volcanic eruption in US history. pic.twitter.com/Op14mfRUpd

— Today in History (@TodayinHistory) May 18, 2026

 

An Insight

Large numbers of apathetic non-voters are the sign of a healthy democracy because it means elections aren't existential. Example: Northern Ireland during the Troubles had the highest voter turnout in the UK. It went down after the Good Friday Agreement. https://t.co/4tdSaGsFkw

— Sherman McCoy (@wasphyxiation) May 17, 2026

 

I see wonderful things

If you visit London during a major event like the State Opening of Parliament or Trooping the Colour, you can see senior Warrant Officers and Drill Instructors actively using "pace sticks".

With a razor-sharp wrist motion, the guard plants the brass tip of the open pace stick… pic.twitter.com/vhdJAdxXEP

— Massimo (@Rainmaker1973) May 19, 2026

 

Offbeat Humor

I didn't know Helen of Troy could generate so much conflict.

— Everything Price Sufferer (but especially eggs) (@agraybee) May 18, 2026

 

Data Talks

Newly published: men who win the lottery are more likely to get married and have children. Women who win the lottery aren't.

As in the Baby Boom: there was good income for young men (but not women) which boosted marriage and fertility. pic.twitter.com/H54WdZONlA

— Whyvert (@whyvert) May 18, 2026

 

The Artist, His wife and the Writer Otto Benzon, 1893 by Peder Krøyer

The Artist, His wife and the Writer Otto Benzon, 1893 by Peder Krøyer (Denmark, 1851-1909)

Click to enlarge.

History

The 16th-century Persian Safavid helmet with a decorative metal face mask. pic.twitter.com/RQVjOTdoae

— HerodotusWave (@HerodotusWave) May 18, 2026

 

An Insight

Reminder: All the worst ideas in history intellectually descended from socialism. https://t.co/uAjDnzjyLG pic.twitter.com/j4WNAe7sNY

— Andrew Follett (@AndrewCFollett) May 18, 2026

 

I see wonderful things

It's easy to forget that most of the stained glass in Sainte-Chapelle is 800 years old.

How do you even begin to design radiant beauty like this?pic.twitter.com/9i8Ld0NaPL

— World Scholar (@WorldScholar_) May 18, 2026

 

Offbeat Humor

Absolute genius. The ability to squeeze intense humour out of one repeated phrase. The two greatest British comic actors of recent decades https://t.co/hbB1Oi5xPZ

— sean thomas knox (@thomasknox) May 17, 2026